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An asteroid roughly the size of two football fields is on track to make a close approach to Earth this month, providing a unique opportunity for both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers. The 720-foot-wide asteroid, designated 2024 ON, will pass within 620,000 miles of Earth on September 15, a distance that might seem large but is relatively close in astronomical terms. This rare event will allow scientists to gather crucial data about the asteroid's composition, velocity, rotation period, and orbital path, while posing no threat to our planet.
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A Rare Celestial Event
According to the New York Post, asteroid 2024 ON's close approach is equivalent to just 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, making it one of the closest encounters of such a large object in recent years. Close approaches of this magnitude occur on average only once every ten years, according to the Virtual Telescope Project, which plans to stream the event live for viewers worldwide.
Visible primarily from the northern hemisphere, the asteroid will be a striking sight for those fortunate enough to have clear skies and access to telescopes or strong binoculars. The Virtual Telescope's live feed will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on September 15, allowing skywatchers to witness the asteroid's journey across the night sky in real-time.
Scientific Significance of the Flyby
The flyby of asteroid 2024 ON presents an invaluable opportunity for astronomers to deepen their understanding of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). The data collected during this close approach will be essential for refining predictive models of NEOs and enhancing our knowledge of the complex dynamics within our solar system. This event is particularly significant because it allows scientists to study the asteroid's physical characteristics, such as its composition and rotation period, which can provide insights into the history and formation of our solar system.
Asteroids like 2024 ON are remnants from the early solar system, dating back 4.6 billion years. According to NASA, these rocky bodies vary widely in size, shape, and composition, depending on where and how they formed. Most asteroids are composed of different types of rock, though some contain metals such as nickel and iron, or even clays.
NASA's Ongoing Efforts to Monitor NEOs
NASA is continually tracking near-Earth objects, maintaining a comprehensive database of their trajectories. The agency classifies asteroids larger than 492 feet in diameter and closer than 4.6 million miles to Earth as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). Although asteroid 2024 ON does not pose any immediate threat, its proximity underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts.
In addition to tracking NEOs, NASA is actively developing technologies to mitigate potential asteroid threats. One such initiative is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which aims to test the feasibility of altering an asteroid's course using a kinetic impactor spacecraft. This mission represents a significant step forward in planetary defense, providing a potential method to protect Earth from future asteroid impacts.
Conclusion
The close approach of asteroid 2024 ON on September 15 is more than just a fascinating celestial event; it is a crucial opportunity for scientific discovery and planetary defense research. As astronomers prepare to study this massive asteroid, skywatchers around the world can look forward to witnessing a rare and awe-inspiring spectacle. With live streams available and the possibility of viewing the asteroid with telescopes or binoculars, this event is not to be missed.
Keywords: asteroid 2024 ON, Near-Earth Objects, NASA, planetary defense, DART mission, close approach, astronomical event, September 15, Virtual Telescope, asteroid flyby
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